Spain survived a dramatic Croatia fightback to reach the quarter finals of Euro in extra time after an 8-goal thriller.
Croatia took the lead in bizarre circumstances when Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon failed to control back pass, scoring an own goal in the process. But Spain were level before half time through Pablo Sarabia. They then took the lead through Cesar Azpilicueta before Ferran Torres scored making the score 3-1.
However, Croatia fought back in dramatic fashion. First Mislav Orsic scored with the ball just crossing the line and then Mario Pasalic scored a header to level the tie 3-3 and leave Spain stunned. Extra timebegan and Croatia had chances to score, but failed to do so.
This would cost them as the other end Spain broke free and Alvaro Moratta thumped in the fourth goal for Spain. Eventually Mikel Oyarzabal added a fifth goal to end Croatia’s part in this dramatic Euro game.
Spain now have great momentum heading into the quarter final in St. Petersburg as they look to regain their former glory.
Switzerland beat France in shock of the tournament.
Switzerland beat World Champions France after a penalty shootout, in the biggest shock of the tournament so far. Earlier the Swiss side had come back from 3-1 down to force extra time.
Switzerland had taken the lead through Haris Seferovic in the first half, and they also missed a penalty as France struggled in the first half. The world champions began showing their class in the second half through a brace from Karim Benzema. And when Paul Pogba put them 3-1 up, their passage to the quarter finals looked secure. But the Swiss had other plans.
Seferovic scored a header to reduce the deficit to make it 3-2 with 10 minutes to go. With only stoppage time to play substitute Mario Gavranovic hammered in a last-minute equalizer to send their supporters into ecstasy.
Extra time failed to bring a winner with France going close with a couple of big chances for Kylian Mbappe. In the penalty shootout it was Mbappe again whose decisive kick was saved by Yann Sommer as Switzerland won the shootout 5-4 producing the biggest shock of Euro 2020, with France being heavy favourites to win the tournament.
Before the game Switzerland had to make history on many fronts. By beating France for the first time since 1992 and reaching the quarter finals of Euros for the first time they have achieved just that. Their next opponents Spain will be wary of the Swiss storm.
